Bioavailability, Distribution and Anti-oxidative Effects of Selected Triterpenes in Mice.

MedLine Citation:

PMID:
22816768
Owner:
NLM
Status:
Publisher

Abstract/OtherAbstract:

This study analyzed the content of eight triterpenes (oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, arjunolic acid, asiatic acid, boswellic acid, corosolic acid, madecassic acid and maslinic acid) in ten vegetables and eight fruits. These compounds at 0.5% were supplied to mice for 4 or 8 weeks. The bioavailability, tissue distribution and anti-oxidative protection of these triterpenes were examined. Results showed that triterpenes could be detected in eight vegetables and six fruits. Basil and brown mustard contained 7 test triterpenes, in the range of 14-102 mg/100 g dry weight. The level of each triterpene in plasma, brain, heart, liver, kidney, colon and bladder increased with increasing feeding period from 4 weeks to 8 weeks (P<0.05). Renal homogenates from mice with triterpenes intake had greater anti-oxidative effects against glucose induced glutathione loss, malondialdehyde and oxidized glutathione production when compared with those from control groups (P<0.05). These data support that these triterpenes could be absorbed and deposited in their intact forms, which in turn exerted in vivo anti-oxidative protection.